The British Horse Society (BHS) are thrilled to have teamed up with The Pony Club to support and endorse the advancement of equine learning, and skills, with a new educational route.
Under revised entry guidance, participants who hold a Pony Club C+ Test can now apply for a direct entry route into the BHS Stage 2 qualifications.
Whatever your aspirations; caring for horses, riding professionally or coaching the next generation, this path will provide another route of progression and knowledge to help young people kick start their equine career.
Working collectively to widen the opportunities available and to deliver greater access to the equestrian field is essential. This comes at a time when the industry’s riding schools and livery yards, who underpin the equine industry, are continuing to face challenging times and need skilled employees to support their business.
The BHS Career Transition Fund is available to help those individuals who choose to take this educational route. The fund is aimed at those who want to progress to their BHS Stage 2 and Stage 3 qualifications. Candidates can apply for the fund through a simple online form and could receive a voucher valued up to £200 for Stage 2 and £250 for Stage 3.
Tracy Casstles, Director of Education at The British Horse Society says: “We are really pleased to be working closely with The Pony Club to deliver an exciting route for equestrians. Creating a robust workforce is more important than ever, and we’re proud to be working together to attract even more people into an equine career.
We recognise that there is not always one way of doing things and certainly not one approach to take in equestrianism. We hope that by introducing a new pathway to the industry, even more people will be able to receive the qualifications, skills and knowledge they need to go for that dream role."
Marcus Capel, CEO of The Pony Club says: “I am delighted that the highly regarded Pony Club pathway of tests continues to offer a potential career route for our Members. Working together with the BHS, we are proud that our accessible C+ test has been added to the list of tests accepted for direct entry into the BHS stage assessments. This significant step forward will widen the opportunities available to our Members and strengthens the relationship between the two organisations.”
Ex Pony Club member, Alex van Randwyck: “I enjoyed being part of The Pony Club and working through their qualification pathway, achieving the A Test in 2019. The Direct Entry link with the BHS has allowed me to continue working towards professional qualifications, achieving the Stage 4 Management in 2022 and currently working toward the BHS Performance Centre Manager. It has been a very user-friendly process. I hope that raising awareness of this opportunity will encourage others to continue to expand their equine knowledge through qualifications.”
As well as The Pony Club C+ Test, the BHS accept a range of Pony Club Tests for direct entry, which includes Pony Club B, B+, AH and A Test. Terms and conditions will apply, so please visit the BHS website to learn more about the BHS direct entry routes available.
If you’d like to find out more about the Pony Club qualifications, visit their website.
Discover more about the BHS Career Pathways, and how they can support you through every stage of your development.
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Contact: The British Horse Society Press Office
T: 02476 840521
The British Horse Society:
As the largest equine charity in the UK, The British Horse Society is dedicated to education, equine welfare, protecting and increasing access to bridleways and places to ride and carriage drive off road, and safety for horse and riders. The Society’s thriving and active community of staff and volunteers is committed to improving the lives of horses everywhere.
The Pony Club:
The Pony Club is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. Founded in England in 1929, and granted independent charitable status on 1st January 1997, there are currently 330 Branches and 315 Centres in the UK alone. The Pony Club has been the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and Olympic medal winners.
The Pony Club is represented in no less than 27 countries with a worldwide membership exceeding 110,000 making it the largest association of young riders in the world.